“Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.”
- April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616
- Born in England
- Playwright, poet, actor
- Wrote many masterpieces such as “Hamlet,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Macbeth,” and had a great influence on English literature
Quote
“Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s Hamlet emphasizes the value of listening over speaking. “Give every man thy ear” suggests that we should be open to hearing others, listening attentively to what they have to say, and giving them the opportunity to express themselves. “But few thy voice” advises that we should be discriminating in choosing when to speak, meaning that not every situation requires us to voice our opinions or offer advice. The quote encourages a balance between being a good listener and being thoughtful in offering our own input.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the importance of active listening in communication. It encourages us to be attentive and empathetic when engaging with others, understanding that sometimes the most valuable contribution we can make is simply by hearing and understanding others. It also suggests that wisdom lies in knowing when it is appropriate to speak and when it is better to remain silent, especially when the situation or context calls for careful thought rather than immediate reaction.
Ultimately, this quote highlights the power of listening over speaking and the importance of discernment in communication. It encourages us to value others’ voices and to be intentional about when and how we share our own. By doing so, we can foster better relationships and communicate more effectively.
